Vidalia Wrestling Places Third at Fitzgerald Invitation

December 27-- The Vidalia Wrestling team placed third at the annual Fitzgerald Invitation this past week, behind tournament champion Ware County and host Fitzgerald. Because of illness and disciplinary issues, the Indians only filled 10 of the 14 weight classes. After the pool round of wrestling all 10 Vidalia Wrestlers were in the top six and had an opportunity to place top four in the tournament. Senior, Cory Braddy (138) won his weight class after posting a 4-1 record in the pool rounds. Braddy avenged that three point loss to a Ware County wrestler with a second period pin. “Coach and I worked on an added defense and it worked. I was able to take him down, get the turn, and the pin. It felt great to win this one,” stated Braddy after the match. Junior, Tahjah Watts (195) won his weight class winning all seven matches on the two day tournament. Watts commented, “This was a great two days after a solid weekend at Treutlen. I’m looking forward to a short break.”

Tom Godbee (170) won his weight class by winning all seven matches. Godbee was also rewarded for an impressive finals match against a Turner County wrestler with the Outstanding Wrestler Award, voted on by the team coaches. “I was very excited about winning the tournament. The OW award was icing on the cake, because I was very nervous before my finals match,” remarked Godbee about his tournament. Other placers for the Indians were Markevious Mincey (120) fourth, Kaleb Cook (126) sixth, Simon Minjarez (132) fourth, Elijah Thornton (145) sixth, Aldarreis Tillery (152) third, Chason Brogdon (160) fourth, Razor Ramon Escalera (285) fourth.

Coach Ferry stated, “We are extremely proud of the effort these guys gave in this tournament. We were undermanned for various reasons and these ten guys stepped up and put on a show; especially the three in the finals. It was an absolute joy to watch our Indians perform. We hope everyone has a Merry Christmas. God bless and roll tribe.” The Indians will compete December 28-30 at Rockmart and Lambert in north Georgia.